Newsletters
Fifty-four percent of American workers have saved less than $25,000 for retirement, and 43% have saved less than $10,000.1
Will you outlive your retirement income? How much liability insurance should you have? Should you add stocks to your portfolio? Are your financial expectations for the coming year realistic?
Our financial newsletters are designed to provide helpful information on a wide variety of financial topics. Simply click on one of the newsletter topics below to read the article in its entirety.
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February
HOT TOPIC: Why Watch the Employment Situation
Labor reports showed some signs of improvement in the second half of 2011. This article takes a closer look at the official reports that track employment, factors that held back job creation after the recession officially ended, and whether recent gains are enough to spark more robust growth.
GDP: Measuring the Economy
It's likely you've heard a lot about the gross domestic product (GDP) if you follow the news. But what is its impact on the national economy and how has the Great Recession impacted the GDP? This primer explains the numbers behind the GDP and what it ultimately tells us about the economic health of the nation.
Tracking the Rise of Target-Date Funds
Investments in target-date funds have grown during the last decade. They are often the default choice in employer-sponsored retirement plans and viewed favorably by some investors for their helpful approach to asset allocation. This article explains the advantages and disadvantages of these funds and cautions potential investors about several common misconceptions.
Keeping Pace with Social Security
In 2012, Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 3.6% cost of living increase for the first time in three years. But a recent study suggests that benefits are lagging far behind real expenses. This article explains how Social Security benefits are indexed and what older workers and retirees might expect from the program in the future.
Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
With standard 401(k) plans, the amount a company's owners can contribute to their own retirement account is often restricted by how much other employees contribute to the plan. With the safe harbor option, owners may be able to make larger contributions for themselves in exchange for making tax-deductible contributions or "matches" for employees.
Do You Have Enough Disability Coverage
Disability can affect anyone without notice, and a well-paid professional in the midst of a productive career has much to lose if he or she suffers a medical problem and is unable to work. But there are ways that high earners can expand their coverage and help ensure that their income, assets, and lifestyle are not at risk from a potential disability.
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January
HOT TOPIC: Looking Ahead in 2012
2011 was a year of slow economic recovery, market volatility, and political conflict over the budget, the national debt, and taxes. All of these challenges continue to face us as we begin the new year. This article presents an overview of some of the issues that bear watching in 2012.
Growth, Value, or Both
The average annual return for large-cap value stocks was about 2.1% higher than for large-cap growth stocks, yet growth stocks outperformed value stocks in 13 out of 30 years. This article examines the difference between the two approaches and describes why holding both may help investors take advantage of a variety of market conditions.
Are Consumers Holding the Keys to a Better Economy?
Consumer spending still accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product, but some government statistics suggest that consumers may have reduced spending drastically in recent years, especially on discretionary items. High unemployment, household debt, and a general lack of confidence can affect consumers' ability and willingness to spend.
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December
HOT TOPIC: European News Causes Market Mood Swings
In recent weeks, the yields on Italian bonds spiked to more than 7%, suggesting the sovereign debt crisis was spreading to a much larger economy and eluding the European Union’s efforts to contain it. The U.S. stock and bond markets have responded to the headlines coming out of Europe. This article explores the role of political risk in U.S. financial market volatility.
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November
HOT TOPIC: Understanding the Three New U.S. Trade Agreements
Congress recently approved trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia, and Panama. They are the first U.S. trade agreements in four years. This article examines the pros and cons of the agreements and how they may stimulate the U.S. economy.
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October
HOT TOPIC: Will Federal Reserve Tactics Help the Ailing U.S. Economy?
This article looks at policy tools that the Federal Reserve has used in the past and may use going forward in its attempts to spur economic growth. It also explains the possible implications of a long-term, low-interest-rate environment for investors, savers, and retirees.
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September
HOT TOPIC: Breaking Down the Debt-Ceiling Compromise
The Budget Control Act of 2011 raised the federal debt ceiling, mandated modest but significant caps on discretionary spending over the next ten years, and left the details of larger deficit reduction to a 12 member, bipartisan “super committee.” The main provisions of the law include the assumption that higher tax rates will return in 2013.
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August
HOT TOPIC: Why Global Investors Are Worried About European Debt
European officials are working on a bailout deal to help debt-laden Greece avoid default, but some are worried a broader eurozone financial crisis may be waiting in the wings. How likely is a Greek sovereign debt default, and how could it affect European and U.S. financial markets?
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July
HOT TOPIC: Are Housing Troubles Standing in the Way of Growth?
In the wake of past recessions, the housing industry provided a meaningful economic boost. This time around, the pace of the recovery has been more sluggish than expected, and ongoing weakness in the housing sector may be to blame.
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June
HOT TOPIC: Current Economic Conditions and the Prospect for Inflation
Inflation jumped up to 3.2% in April. That’s still below the 50-year average but it may be little consolation for anyone who has been to a gas station or a grocery store recently.
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May
Fixed for Life
More than 40% of Americans ages 36 and older are at risk of running out of money in retirement, according to a retirement readiness study. In fact, almost one-third of people with upper-middle incomes and 13% with high incomes may not be able to pay for basic retirement expenses and uninsured health-care costs after two decades in retirement.
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April
Making Money Market Funds Work for You
Some investors turn to money market funds when they are concerned about market volatility. Although money market funds may carry less risk than stocks, investing in them as a reaction to market volatility also carries the risk of missing out on potential gains when the market begins to recover.
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